The Heart-to-Heart foundation

Originally published December, 2015

Heart-to-Heart Foundation: The Big Heart of Richard Fiske

The Heart-to-Heart Foundation, Inc. was founded in 1995 by Richard “Dickie” Fiske in order to help people dealing with the financial burdens caused by sickness. Dickie, who is spending his retirement years mowing lawns and plowing snow, had heard of too many people in the area who were having problems paying their bills because they, or a family member, had become sick.
 
What Dickie decided to do was to put on variety shows to raise money to give to these families in their time of need. Over the years, the Heart-to-Heart Foundation has put on many shows raising over $200,000, which was distributed to more than 100 people in need, most of whom were suffering from cancer or some rare disease.
 
These shows feature some great talent from the Brookfield area and beyond. In the past we have been entertained by dance schools, karate schools, comedians, singers, magicians and the Corn Cobs! The Corn Cobs is a small band that plays songs that your grandparents grew up with (which is Dickie’s era). The current line-up includes Steve Mantha on piano, Owen King on guitar, Tim Nydam on bass and Dickie Fiske on the washboard/percussion.
 
Lately, the foundation has been holding a successful Poker Run in August that starts in Charlton and ends up in North Brookfield with the riders enjoying a chicken barbeque, thanks to Glenn Waugh and his crew. The foundation has also caught the notice of several foundations and corporations from Worcester and beyond. They recently received a large check from the DCU Center and recognition from the Boston Red Sox.
 
Crowley Fuel is proud to support and work with Dickie Fiske and his Heart-to-Heart Foundation, Inc. It sometimes happens that the people the foundation assists also need heating oil or wood pellets, for which they are unable to pay. We have made many deliveries at a deeply-discount rate over the years for Heart-to-Heart, as we do for another organization, Hearts for Heat.
 
Dickie has always had the help of his family, friends and local communities who know that every penny raised goes to help people in need. For those of you who want to help out with this important work by making a contribution, attending a show or poker run or volunteering time, you can contact the foundation at PO Box 154, North Brookfield, MA 01535, and now you can like them on Facebook!

Bob

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